N E W S L E T T E R

J A N F E B M A R 2 0 1 7 GLOBAL CSR AWARD Grammangal wins the NGO LEADERSHIP AWARD at a ceremony held by the World CSR Congress on 18th February 2017 at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. Smt. Aditi Natu, VP-Projects, Grammangal, received the award on behalf of the organization. Also seen in the picture are Executive Committee members of Grammangal, Mr Atul Thakar (left) and Prof. Hemchandra Pradhan.

Pragat Shaikshanik and Grammangal The Pragat Shaikshanik (Educationally Progressive) Maharashtra program was launched by the State Government of Maharashtra in 2015. The program is ambitious in both scope and objectives. It seeks to ensure that by the end of the academic year of 2018, every elementary school going child in Maharashtra achieves the minimum learning level appropriate for its age or grade. More importantly, the Program promises support to teachers who desire to improve their capacities to meet its objectives. They are free to opt for training that suits their needs. About 400 primary class teachers of Zilla Parishad Schools volunteered to be trained by Grammangal to implement student-centric constructivist learning methods. The results have been encouraging. Many teachers have reported transformation in the classroom environment. Attendance has improved and the children are enjoying learning. Not surprisingly, they are also doing better academically. Nothing succeeds like success. More teachers have requested training in Grammangal methods. In the coming years, Grammangal will also be helping in the development of model ZP schools in . Eventually, all of the approximately 5500 primary school teachers of Palghar District will be trained in the Grammangal way. JANUARY

NEWS UPDATE FOR In Grammangal, excursions and field trips are considered essential to learning. Grammangal’s Anutai Wagh Shikshan Kendra, (Tal Vikramgad, Dist. Palghar) organized a one-day trip to Chinchpada dam in Vikramgad Taluka. Students from pre- primary to 9th standard, their parents and teachers joined this field visit.

Lunch was cooked on-site near the dam by the children . The main purpose of the visit was to help the children to understand where they get water from and the need to use it sparingly. The teachers explained the need for discipline in the use of water, especially in view of its shortage in the State.

Balnagari and Exhibition Leap for Word Is an annual event showcasing the work A Mumbai-based, registered done by children non-profit organisation through the year. It was dedicated to enhancing the inaugurated in the English language skills of presence of parents children in under-served and other dignitaries. Displays of children’s communities, conducted a work, games and training for the teachers at educational aids and Vikramgad for the English projects were exhibited Subject on 13th and 21st in different sections. January 2017 Students and teachers from the surrounding region visited the exhibition. Makar Sankrant All major festivals are celebrated in Grammangal. Makar Sankrant was celebrated enthusiastically by the students and teachers alike. Students enjoyed this “Patangotsav” – Kite Festival, by making their own kites and flying them. Teacher explained the significance of the day and distributed Sweets (Tilgul) to all. FEBRUARY

Science workshop Jyotsna Bhave and Anuradha Kale from Pune, conducted a two day workshop at Aine. Students of 8th and 9th standards and their teachers participated in the same. Workshop consisted of experiments designed to help the students understand and apply concepts in Science.

Teachers' Training

5 days training under the program ‘Pragat Shaikshanik Maharashtra’ was conducted at Vikramgad for 93 teachers from Wada, Vikramgad, Jawhar and Mokhada

Science day

Preparation for Science Day, 27th Feb 2017, began two days in advance, for which the Science teacher gave some books on the subject to the students. On Science Day, students presented very interesting information about Science. They also presented information about scientists and blind-faiths

Exhibition at Learning Home, Gandhi Bhavan, Pune Learning Home held its annual exhibition on 17th, 18th, 19th February 2017 showcasing Grammangal's teaching-learning methodologies through the work done by the children aged 4 (Balwadi or pre-primary) to 14 years (8th std). The objective of the exhibition was to propagate the importance of scientific and innovative methods in child education. Smt. Mrunalini Kunte, Woman International Chess Master, inaugurated the exhibition MARCH

Vikramgad Teachers’ trip The teachers visited the Vidnyan Ashram at Pabal, Dist: Pune and got acquainted with the various programs of the Ashram. On the way they also visited the Shivneri Fort

Agriculture Development Trust, Baramati

Grammangal has been implementing its Educational Quality Improvement Program at the Sharadabai Pawar Vidyamandir at Baramati for the past 2 years for Balwadi to 7th std students.

An exhibition was held to present the activities of their students. The exhibition helped the teachers too as it offered them an understanding of how to display the activities in appropriate order to show the progress in learning by children. Many parents appreciated the changes they observed in their children.

Vikas Ghar Grammangal runs Vikas Ghar which is a supplemental after-school learning program to help children improve their learning levels and academic performance in regular school. Through appropriate activities and use of teaching-learning material, students improve their understanding of the subjects taught in school. In the process they gain valuable self-confidence and inter-disciplinary skills from working with their peers. Vikas Ghar sessions are of a two-hour duration after school hours on schooldays. Currently, there are over 50 Vikas Ghars in Satara District. Recently, a request from 15 School Headmasters within Satara district has reached Grammangal where they are willing to start Vikasghar in their premises for benefit of children in their schools.